When Los Angeles guitarist and producer Briana Alexis yearned to collaborate with like-minded musicians during the coronavirus shutdown, she contacted a few friends—guitarist, Gretchen Menn, and vocalist, Cherokee Fortune. From there, additional connections were made, and Lockdown Sessions was created, a virtual collaboration made up of Briana Alexis (guitar), Gretchen Menn (guitar), Cherokee Fortune (vocals), Poliana Magalhães (bass), and Nikki Lane Taylor (drums).
Over the last several months, the band has been collaborating, practicing, and recording remotely on their first release. We are pleased to premiere today, their music video covering Jeff Beck’s version of “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” Dubbed a “great Delta blues classic” recorded by Hambone Willie Newbern in 1929, the song has been covered throughout the years by many notable blues artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks, ZZ Top, and Jeff Beck.
WATCH “ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN'” HERE
When asked why they chose Jeff Beck’s version to cover, the band replied, “We came up with doing a cover of Jeff Beck’s version of “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” because of the Classic Rock Bluesy sound we wanted to define in our music. It also worked well with our singer’s style and voice. With two guitar players in the band, heavily influenced by Jeff Beck, we all agreed on it pretty seamlessly.”
Briana Alexis began her career early on during the hair metal days, playing in bands on the Sunset Strip. She moonlighted during the day, while learning the business of music manufacturers for Randall Amplifiers, Fender Musical Instruments, and Gibson Guitars. Briana is an alumni of the Dick Grove Music Academy and majored in jazz studies. Her musical genres include classic rock, jazz, and blues. She is the founder of the all-female rock band Absinthe, where she began her collaboration with singer Cherokee Fortune. Briana is an educator and clinician and has appeared in ads for guitar magazines. In 2015 she founded her own production company, Southpaw Music Group, where she records music for TV and film. Find out more about Briana Alexis at www.brianalexis.com.
Gretchen Menn received her BA in music from Smith College, where she studied classical guitar with Phillip de Fremery. In addition to her original, instrumental work, she is guitarist of Zepparella, the Led Zeppelin powerhouse. She is also an educator, having recently authored How Music Works, which was published by Stringletter Media, and taught in the online guitar camp, Guitar Cloud Symposium, with Jennifer Batten, Nili Brosh, and Vicki Genfan. Menn released her first solo album Hale Souls in 2011, followed by Abandon All Hope in 2016, and is currently working on her next release for late 2020. Find out more about Gretchen Menn at www.gretchenmenn.com.
Vocalist Cherokee Fortune comes from a long line of professional musicians. Growing up she was surrounded by music and began singing at age five. As a result, she acquired a wide range of musical influences that have helped her develop her own style. Cherokee is a seasoned performer, having fronted bands in London, New York City, and Los Angeles. Cherokee has also released several solo projects heavily driven by blues, country, rock, and slide guitar. We hear there are more to come.
Brazilian native Poliana Magalhães brings in the bass. Her style of music ranges between Funk, Rock, R&B, Brazilian Popular Music – MPB, pop, gospel, and Persian music. She was the resident bass player for the Late Show “Adnight Show” in Brazil and has recorded and toured with many artists from Brazil, Europe, USA, and Persia. She is currently working on her first album and also spends her time teaching. Find out more about Poliana Magalhães at www.polianamagalhaes.com
Rounding out the band is drummer Nikki Lane Taylor aka “The Nikster.” Growing up in a musical family with a recording studio in their house, Taylor was exposed to music at an early age. Her father, Mel Taylor, is a graduate of Berklee School of Music and one of her earliest musical influences. A wide variety of instruments surrounded her, but drums stole her heart. The ambidextrous drummer has played with the likes of The Delphines, the pop-punk band fronted by Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s, as well as Kevin Martin & The Hiwatts. She is currently working with Randy Rhoads’ brother, Kelle Rhoads, the Iron Maiden tribute band, Maiden USA, and the Soundgarden tribute band, Black Daze.
CONNECT WITH LOCKDOWN SESSIONS
WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BANDCAMP